This week, a very special couple in my life is moving to Nashville, TN. Two friends whom I will miss … It’s gonna change the face of things in my world.
I’m writing about Ted and Betty Mears. Having them at EBC has meant the world to me. Ted was the last long-tenured pastor to serve Ebenezer. He served from the early 70’s until the mid 80’s. Ted is a true gentleman and his love for God and God’s people is evident in everything he does. Betty is fun … That’s the best word I can come up with for her. When I talk to her, I ALWAYS enjoy it. She has a sense of humor that is very compatible with mine and we seem to be on the same wavelength more often than not.
It might seem unusual that I consider them to be such good friends, but that is what they are. Yes, they are my parents’ age, but Diana and I have a friendship with them that defies age and generational boundaries. Unlike many of our other friends, they understand the intense pressure on us and our family. Unless you’ve been there, you really could never understand the pressure and unreal expectations some place on pastors. Ted and Betty get it. And they’ve given both of us much help with that!!
It’s funny: They’ve always worried their presence would be intrusive on my pastorate, not realizing they’ve always been two of my biggest supporters and two people I’ve needed to have in my life. And, while I certainly understand why they are moving (their ENTIRE family is now in Tennessee), I SOOO wish they could stay just a little while longer. It’s ironic that they’ve worried about overstaying their welcome and I’m sitting here DREADING that moving truck that will be here this week.
People have always asked me “Who pastors the pastor??” I DO have a handful of good friends at Ebenezer with whom I can share my issues and fears. And two of them are moving to Tennessee this week. And I will miss them terribly.
The Random Thinker 
Yes, these are two of God’s best. Glad you’ve had them there as long as you have.